Vinyl polymerization of acrylonitrile by the cerium(IV)-propane-1,2-diol system

The polymerization of acrylonitrile (M) initiated by the Ce(IV)-propane-1,2-diol (R) redox system has been studied in aqueous sulphuric acid under nitrogen in the temperature range 30 to 40°. The rate of polymerization is proportional to M]², R] and Ce(IV)]^?1 and the rate of ceric ion disappearance is proportional to R], Ce(IV)]. The effects of certain salts, acid, solvent and temperature on both rates have been investigated. A kinetic scheme has been proposed, and various rate and energy parameters evaluated.